Mike Preston grades the Ravens' 24-9 win over the Indianapolis Colts

CaptionQuarterback: B-

Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox

Joe Flacco had a tough first half but played better in the second. Fortunately, the Ravens didn't have to count on him to make a lot of tight passes in the second half. He threw a lot of jump balls in the second half, and basically that was all that was needed.

Joe Flacco had a tough first half but played better in the second. Fortunately, the Ravens didn't have to count on him to make a lot of tight passes in the second half. He threw a lot of jump balls in the second half, and basically that was all that was needed. (Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox)

Rookie Bernard Pierce (pictured) had 103 yards rushing to top the 70 yards collected by starter Ray Rice. Rice fumbled twice to halt two drives, but he did have a 47-yard reception. Fullback Vonta Leach had a 1-yard touchdown run and the Ravens finally decided to use him in a short-yardage...

Rookie Bernard Pierce (pictured) had 103 yards rushing to top the 70 yards collected by starter Ray Rice. Rice fumbled twice to halt two drives, but he did have a 47-yard reception. Fullback Vonta Leach had a 1-yard touchdown run and the Ravens finally decided to use him in a short-yardage... (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)

Anquan Boldin (pictured) had the game receivers dream of, catching five passes for 145 yards. Tight end Dennis Pitta also had two catches for 31 yards, including a touchdown. The Ravens didn't have to throw a lot, except to pick on cornerback Cassius Vaughn, who struggled against any receiver...

Anquan Boldin (pictured) had the game receivers dream of, catching five passes for 145 yards. Tight end Dennis Pitta also had two catches for 31 yards, including a touchdown. The Ravens didn't have to throw a lot, except to pick on cornerback Cassius Vaughn, who struggled against any receiver... (Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox)

This was a reshuffled group, but it's the unit the Ravens should have been starting weeks ago. The Ravens got strong performances from the left side -- tackle Bryant McKinnie (pictured) and guard Kelechi Osemele. Center Matt Birk got the group settled quickly with his calls, but right tackle...

This was a reshuffled group, but it's the unit the Ravens should have been starting weeks ago. The Ravens got strong performances from the left side -- tackle Bryant McKinnie (pictured) and guard Kelechi Osemele. Center Matt Birk got the group settled quickly with his calls, but right tackle... (USA TODAY Sports)

The Colts were one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL during the regular season, and running back Vick Ballard (pictured) still had 91 yards rushing on 22 carries. This group got little penetration and left their linebackers exposed to clean up the mess.

The Colts were one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL during the regular season, and running back Vick Ballard (pictured) still had 91 yards rushing on 22 carries. This group got little penetration and left their linebackers exposed to clean up the mess. (Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox)